All questions of Defence of India for UPSC CSE Exam

Primary Responsibility of the Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of India's maritime interests. Its primary responsibility is centered around maritime security and search and rescue operations.

Key Responsibilities
- Maritime Security
The ICG is tasked with safeguarding India's maritime boundaries. This includes the prevention of smuggling, illegal fishing, and human trafficking. The Coast Guard monitors the vast Indian coastline, ensuring that any potential threats are detected and mitigated.
- Search and Rescue Operations
One of the most vital functions of the Indian Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue operations. In cases of maritime accidents, natural disasters, or distress signals from vessels, the ICG mobilizes swiftly to provide assistance and save lives.
- Environmental Protection
The Coast Guard also plays a role in environmental conservation. It monitors marine pollution and enforces laws related to the protection of marine ecosystems.
- Collaboration with Other Agencies
The ICG collaborates with various national and international agencies to enhance maritime security. This includes sharing intelligence and conducting joint operations to bolster the security framework.

Conclusion
In summary, the Indian Coast Guard's primary responsibility, encapsulated in option 'C', encompasses a range of critical activities aimed at ensuring the safety and security of India's maritime domain. By focusing on maritime security and search and rescue, the ICG plays an indispensable role in protecting lives and ensuring the integrity of India's waters.

The branch of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for safeguarding India's maritime interests is the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy plays a crucial role in protecting the country's maritime boundaries and interests. It is responsible for ensuring the security and sovereignty of India's territorial waters, defending offshore assets, and safeguarding the country's maritime trade routes. Here are some key reasons why the Indian Navy is entrusted with this responsibility:

1. Historical Significance: The Indian Navy has a long and rich history dating back to the ancient times when Indian maritime trade flourished. It has evolved over the centuries and played a crucial role in safeguarding India's interests during times of war and peace.

2. Size and Capabilities: The Indian Navy is the fifth-largest Navy in the world, equipped with a wide range of modern warships, submarines, aircraft, and other assets. It has the ability to project power and maintain a presence in the Indian Ocean region, which is strategically vital for India's security and economic interests.

3. Maritime Security: The Indian Navy is responsible for ensuring the security of India's vast coastline, island territories, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It conducts regular patrols, surveillance, and anti-piracy operations to counter any threats to India's maritime security.

4. Protection of Trade Routes: The Indian Navy plays a crucial role in protecting India's maritime trade routes, which are vital for the country's economic growth and energy security. It conducts regular patrols in the Indian Ocean region, safeguards merchant ships, and ensures the safe passage of goods.

5. Strategic Importance: The Indian Ocean region holds significant strategic importance due to its vast resources, trade routes, and geopolitical dynamics. The Indian Navy's presence in the region helps maintain stability, deter potential adversaries, and protect India's national interests.

6. International Cooperation: The Indian Navy actively engages in bilateral and multilateral naval exercises, joint patrols, and maritime security initiatives with other countries. This fosters cooperation, strengthens relationships, and enhances maritime security in the region.

In conclusion, the Indian Navy is responsible for safeguarding India's maritime interests due to its historical significance, size and capabilities, role in maritime security, protection of trade routes, strategic importance, and international cooperation. It plays a crucial role in ensuring India's security, economic growth, and regional stability in the Indian Ocean.

Main Objective of India's Defence Policy
India's defence policy is primarily centered around safeguarding national security and territorial integrity. This objective is crucial for maintaining the sovereignty and stability of the nation in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
Key Aspects of National Security
- Protection of Sovereignty: The foremost aim is to protect India's sovereignty from external aggression and internal threats. India shares borders with several countries, making it imperative to have a robust defence strategy.
- Terrorism and Internal Security: With rising threats from terrorism and insurgency, the defence policy also focuses on counterterrorism operations and maintaining internal order.
- Geopolitical Stability: India's location in a volatile region necessitates a strong military presence to deter potential threats and ensure regional stability.
Military Preparedness
- Modernization of Armed Forces: India's defence policy emphasizes the modernization of its armed forces, including advanced weaponry and technology, to enhance operational capabilities.
- Strategic Alliances: India seeks to build strategic alliances with other nations to strengthen its defence posture and ensure collective security.
Conclusion
In summary, the main objective of India's defence policy is to ensure the safeguarding of national security and territorial integrity. This involves a multi-faceted approach that includes military preparedness, countering terrorism, and forming strategic partnerships. By focusing on these areas, India aims to create a secure environment for its citizens and promote stability in the region.